Page 46 of Erik's Salvation
Sirens sounded.
“Police and paramedics will be here soon.” He’d called both.
She opened and closed her mouth before nodding. “Thank you.”
He couldn’t stop himself. He lifted a hand and grazed her cheek. “I’m so fucking sorry you got hurt.”
“But I’m okay…thanks to you.”
The words were spoken so quietly they barely crossed the distance. He didn’t have time to respond before police were rushing in.
The next hour went too fucking slowly, with police traipsing through her house and paramedics coming and going. He made sure to keep Hannah within his sight the entire damn time.
He’d also called Andi, who was working with the paramedics to look over Hannah.
“There doesn’t appear to be any damage to the voice box or windpipe,” Andi said, pulling off her gloves. “Just bruising to the neck and a small bump on the back of the head.”
Erik’s stomach clenched. Still more than it should have been. “So she doesn’t need to go to the hospital?”
“No.” Andi turned back to Hannah. “But I would encourage you to call someone to be with you tonight, to help with pain meds and just keep an eye on you.”
He opened his mouth to say he’d stay with her, but Hannah spoke first.
“I’ll call Brigid.” She swallowed. “Thank you, Andi.”
When Officers Leaton and Sanders headed toward them, Erik inched closer to Hannah, unable to stop himself from touching the small of her back. She leaned into him, as if she found the same sanctuary in him that he found in her.
“Who was he?” Erik asked, before they’d even reached them.
He’d already snapped a photo of the asshole and sent it to Chandler, but if these guys could give him any information, it would speed up the process.
“We need confirmation, but we suspect this guy is responsible for a string of break-ins in the area. He’s been stealing and fleeing the scene.” Leaton looked at Hannah. “You said you turned the shower on?”
She frowned and nodded.
Leaton nodded as well. “No one else has been home before. He probably heard the shower, realized someone was here, and decided to get rid of you, since he wasn’t hiding his identity. Then he could rob you at his leisure.”
Probably? Erik didn’t want to work on a fuckingprobably. He wanted certainty that this guy was working alone.
A shudder raced down Hannah’s spine, and he shifted his hand to her waist, tugging her closer.
“Do you have someone to stay with tonight?” Sanders asked.
“She can stay with me.” The words were out in a decisive rush. He didn’t regret them. He needed to have eyes on her, and she needed safety. It made sense.
She turned toward him, frowning. “No, you don’t need to do that.”
“I do.” There was no other way he’d feel okay tonight.
Sanders nodded. “Great. We should be done within the hour, then you can grab whatever you need.”
The officers headed away just as Hannah shook her head. “You’ve already done enough for me. You don’t need to share your home. I can stay with Brigid or Henry.”
The thought made acid coat his gut. “I want you to stay with me. I’ve got good security. It will make me feel better, knowing you’re truly safe.”
Her eyes softened, bottom lip disappearing between her teeth. Her gaze shifted to her front door, then back to him. “Okay. Thank you. For everything.”
His hand twitched to cup her cheek. Tug her into him. Instead, he briefly squeezed her hip. The simple touch burned right through him. “I’m glad you’re okay, Hannah.”
